Lights, Camera, Curtains? Behind the Scenes of Movie Homes

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June 6, 2012

Lights, Camera, Curtains? Behind the Scenes of Movie Homes

Anonymous Zillow The Tribune Star Wed Jun 06, 2012, 02:00 PM EDT

Syndicated — Real estate is a lot like movies, at least in one critical respect. It's all about "location, location, location."

While Hollywood can do its best to recreate a setting in a studio, sometimes the only way to bring a scene to life is to film on location.

The big stars of the silver screen are California, Chicago and New York, with their iconic skylines and settings. However, there are occasions when a typical family home is needed to add just the right touch. From "The Fugitive" to "Marley & Me," we're going behind the scenes to see the homes that lent authenticity to some of box office hits.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's"

169 E 71st Street, New York NY

The exterior of this classic brownstone was featured prominently in the classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Although none of the interior scenes were filmed here, the home still exudes much of the charm of Audrey Hepburn's famous character, Holly Golightly. The elegant home features a glass-enclosed solarium, sweeping staircase, wood-burning fireplace and renovated kitchen. After being listed in December 2011, the home sold this April for $5.975 million.

"The Fugitive"

336 W Wisconsin St, Chicago IL

For sale: $3,699,000

The 1993 thriller "The Fugitive" opened with scenes in this modern home in the Chicago real estate market. Built in 1981, the home was significantly expanded, according to Curbed, resulting in a 6,200-square-feet home with three master suites, indoor swimming pool, sauna and rooftop deck. The home was first listed in June 2011 for $3.95 million.

"Father of the Bride" & "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

500 N Almansor St, Alhambra CA

Before you get too excited, we need to note that this is only one of the homes used for filming "Father of the Bride." This property was reserved for shots involving the backyard and side property, while interior and front shots were filmed at another house. However, this home - inside and out - was also used for the remake of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," starring Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mac. The classic Colonial is located in Alhambra, about 16 miles outside of Hollywood, and sold last July for $1. 275 million.

"Home Alone"

671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka IL

Few "movie homes" have figured as prominently as the stately brick in "Home Alone." The Georgian-style home was built in 1921 but was brought to life in the 80s when Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin McCallister, creatively protected the estate from a pair of dim-witted thieves. The home popped up on the Winnetka real estate market for $2.4 million in 2011 and, after a series of price cuts, sold in March 2012 for $1,585,000.

"Stepmom" & "Bounty Hunter"

501 N Broadway, Nyack NY

Despite genre differences between "Stepmom," a tearjerker, and "Bounty Hunter," a slapstick romantic comedy, both movies contain scenes filmed at this Nyack home. With views of the Hudson River and situated on a 1.5-acre property, the 1897 Colonial retains much of the classic details: Wrap-around veranda, parlor with coiffered ceiling, sweeping grand staircase and curved windows. The 5,242-square-foot home was last listed for $1.999 million.

"A League of Their Own"

612 N Main Street, Henderson KY

Nine fireplaces, three stories, full basement and full bar make up the 8,400-square-foot home that was used as the boarding house in the film "A League of Their Own." With a few 1940s touches, the 1894-era estate was perfect to house Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell when they starred in a movie about a professional women's baseball league during World War II. The home was recently removed from the Henderson real estate listings, but property records do not show it has been sold.

"Marley & Me"

1175 Meetinghouse Rd, Chadds Ford PA

Although "Marley & Me" is all about a rambunctious yellow lab, the family that owns the dog moves to the East Coast, so the home where the Grogan family sets up their new life is also a significant "co-star." The brick Chadds Ford township estate, built in 1830, was completely renovated by the owners and needed just a few changes to accommodate filming.

"Clear and Present Danger"

615 S Rossmore Ave, Los Angeles CA

In the 1994 film "Clear and Present Danger," Harrison Ford plays acting CIA Director Jack Ryan. But in addition to hunting down spies and terrorists, Ford was house hunting, too. After filming was finished, Ford reportedly loved the house so much that he offered to buy it from the homeowners. He didn't get the home then, but Ford could take another crack at it. The home is currently on the Mid-Wilshire real estate market for $4,995,000.

"I Know What You Did Last Summer"

308 W West St, Southport NC

The small coastal town of Southp ort, NC was the setting for teen horror flick "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and several scenes were filmed at this traditional family home. Built in 1905, the home has loads of Southern style, from its wrap-around front porch and formal dining and living rooms. The home is currently listed for sale at $385,000.

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